• Mr. McMahon introducing JBL as his son and that he will be returning as a full time wrestler too
• Shane coming out and telling Vince & JBL that his allegiance is with Triple H and he will be getting a rematch for the WWE Championship tonight• Triple H in his interview, saying no one will stop him from becoming the WWE Champion
• JBL going to Randy Orton and offering him his services, as well as Vince’s• JBL defeating Jim Duggan and then Orlando Jordan returning as they beat Duggan down after the match
• The WWE Title match and the highlights including Orton using the brass knucks, but only getting a two count• Triple H hitting the pedigree and Vince pulling Mike Chioda out just before the count got to 3
• JBL & Jordan attacking Triple H before he could get to Vince• JBL about to push Triple H’s face into Vince’s bare ass when Shane McMahon runs down to help Trips, taking Jordan over the top rope
• Trips back on his feet and getting rid of JBL, then setting Vince up for the pedigree until Shane smashes him in the back with a steel chair• The McMahon’s raising each others arms to end the show

“Burn in my Light” hits as Randy Orton walks down to the ring with a big smile on his face, dressed in casual clothes and has the WWE Title over his shoulder

***MAJOR HEAT***

“YOU SUCK, YOU SUCK. . .”

Randy Orton:I guess you’re entitled to your opinion, it just means more to me when I can tell you right now that you’re wrong. . . The Legend Killer doesn’t suck, far from it. I am without a shadow of a doubt, the greatest WWE Champion of all time

***HEAT***

Randy Orton:Just look at what I’ve accomplished ever since I won this title. . . Hell even better, look back before it. 2007 was the start of the era of dominance that I have created. Not only did I take out Shawn Michaels, Rob Van Dam, and then most impressively of all, the so called unstoppable force that is. . . sorry was John Cena

***MIXED REACTION***

Randy Orton:I didn’t just beat them, I put them all on the shelf, one by one until my time came. . . And finally it did when I won the WWE Championship in a Last Man Standing match against Triple H, the same man that has tried and failed in his last two matches against me to take my title away from me

***HEAT***

Randy Orton:And just to lay it all one the line for any of you who don’t understand. . . The Legend Killer is a one man crusade right now, and there is no one, and I mean no one who is going to stop me from making 2008 the year that Randy Orton becomes the greatest of all time

***HEAT***

Randy Orton:There isn’t anyone left on this roster who I haven’t beaten and walked over in what can only be called a path of domination that only I lay claim to. You can take every single superstar on this roster and I would breeze through them all just like I have Rob Van Dam, Shawn Michaels, John Cena, CM Punk, Triple H. You just have to face facts, Randy Orton is unstoppable. . .

“My Time is Now” blasts out & John Cena walks out to the ring, getting a standing ovation and a huge pop, with some boos being heard

Cena stands in the ring with a microphone in hand, looking into the crowd as Orton looks shocked to see him. Once the music stops, the boos are more clear, but there are more cheers

“CENA, CENA, CENA”

Randy Orton:What in the hell. . .

John Cena:. . . Woah Randy, I can see you’re shocked but listen up. . . I’M BACK

***BIG POP (SOME BOOS)***

John Cena:And Randy, I’m not hear to talk about what I’ve been up to the last few months, I’m just here to set the record straight like you just have. . . The last two matches you’ve had with Triple H, you got lucky by having the McMahon’s saving your ass. Albeit Randy I admit that you weren’t responsible for that

Randy Orton:You’re damn right I wasn’t. . .

John Cena:. . . SHUT YOUR MOUTH

***POP***

John Cena:But most importantly Randy. . .YOU NEVER BEAT ME

***POP (SOME BOOS)***

John Cena:You did everything you possibly could to make sure that you didn’t’ have to face me man to man in this ring because deep down you know the cold hard fact Randy, and that is that you can’t beat me

***POP (SOME BOOS)***

John Cena:One on one in this very ring, you don’t have what it takes to beat me for the WWE Championship. You attack my dad and you put the beat down of a lifetime on me, so severe that you thought you’d taken me out for a year. . . But Randy I have news for ya man, you didn’t get the job done. Because Randy, I’m ready to go right now here tonight

***BIG POP (SOME BOOS)***

Randy Orton:John, that’s a quite a performance but there’s no way you are ready to step foot in my ring. Not four months ago I beat you up so bad that I put you John, you, the indestructible John Cena on the shelf with a severe tear of the pectoral muscle. . .

***HEAT***

Randy Orton:What, you think you’re some kind of superhero John that you can just shrug that off, defy medical science and the human body, step back in this ring and get this title back just like that? . . . Well John, I got a newsflash for ya. I’m the number one guy around here now, not you. You’re old news John, and I did what had to be done. I stood forward and took my rightful place on top of this company, meaning you now have to get past me. And let me assure you John, THAT IS NOT GOING TO HAPPEN, AND THERE’S NOT A DAMN THING YOU CAN DO ABOUT IT

***MAJOR HEAT***

John Cena:Randy, Randy, Randy, I love your confidence. . . I gotta say you have been one hell of a WWE Champion since I’ve been gone, but between me, you, the thousands here tonight and the millions watching worldwide, YOUR TIME AS WWE CHAMPION IS COMING TO AN END

***BIG POP (SOME BOOS)***

Randy Orton:YOU THINK SO HUH? . . . YOU THINK FOR ONE SECOND YOU’RE TAKING THIS TITLE OFF ME? THINK AGAIN. I COULD BEAT YOU IN A HEARTBEAT

John Cena:Yeah, is that right?

Randy Orton:YOU’RE DAMN RIGHT IT IS. I COULD BEAT YOU IN ANY KIND OF MATCH, ANY TIME, ANY PLACE, AND THESE PEOPLE KNOW IT, JUST LIKE YOU DO

Cena has a short think

John Cena:Any kind of match you say huh? . . . That’s quite a statement Randy for a champion who is nothing but a coward

***POP (SOME BOOS)***

Randy Orton:You’re kidding me right? . . . Were you not watching while you were out crying over your little injury? . . . Let me ask you a question John, who was the man who captained his team at the Survivor Series to a victory over Shawn Michaels’ team and overcame a three on one disadvantage, beating not just Shawn Michaels but Chris Jericho and The Undertaker too in a matter of minutes. . . Tell me you’ve ever accomplished what I have and I’ll happily give you the credit you’d deserve, but the fact is John, you haven’t. You can’t step up to the plate because you’re in a different league to The Legend Killer, that’s why I had to take you out John, we couldn’t have the whole world seeing their favourite superstar having his ass handed to him by a real hero

***HEAT***

John Cena:I’ve listened to what you’ve said Randy, and there is only one explanation. . . you’re deluded. . . YOU TOOK ME OUT BECAUSE YOU’RE GUTLESS, AND YOU KNEW THAT I WOULD HAVE KICKED YOUR ASS LIKE I HAVE EVERYONE THAT’S STOOD IN MY WAY THE LAST FOUR YEARS. . . IF YOU THINK YOU’RE THE TOP DOG RANDY, THEN YOU’LL DO THE RIGHT THING AND GIVE ME MY REMATCH AT THE ROYAL RUMBLE

***BIG POP***

Randy Orton:John, nothing would give me more pleasure in the world, but face facts, you’re clearly not up to it. You only had your operation a few months ago, you should be at home taking some much needed rest

John Cena:I’VE HAD ALL THE REST ANYONE COULD NEED, ALL I WANT IS YOU IN THIS RING AND THAT TITLE BACK AROUND MY WAIST

***POP (SOME BOOS)***

John Cena:And Randy, I’ll admit I’m not at my best, but it’s what I do. One hundred percent, seventy five percent, fifty percent or even as low as you can get, I WILL COME OUT FIGHTING AND ALWAYS GIVE IT MY BEST SHOT

***POP (SOME BOOS)***

John Cena:So Randy the choice is yours, you can either act like a champion and put your money where your mouth is, or you can just forget about ever beating John Cena

Orton stops and thinks for a minute, not looking best pleased

John Cena:But you know what Randy, it should be an easy decision since you can apparently beat me any place, any time and in any kind of match

Orton shakes his head, clearly frustrated

Randy Orton:YOU KNOW WHAT? . . . I’LL DO IT

***HUGE POP***

Randy Orton:ME AND YOU AT THE RUMBLE, AND THIS TIME I WON’T JUST PUT YOU ON THE SHELF, I WILL FINISH YOUR CAREER

***HEAT***

Randy Orton:And you know what the best thing is John, I’m gonna finish it in a match I’ve never ever competed in, and a match you have. . . I’m gonna prove to you and all these people, even though I don’t need to, that I am the greatest WWE Champion of all time. . . And to do that John, I’m gonna finish your career in a TLC match

***MASSIVE POP***

John Cena:Well then, I guess I should take it all back huh Randy. But it’s crystal clear what you’re doin Randy, taking advantage of my injury the best possible way for you. . .

Randy Orton:. . . You got a problem with that superman?

John Cena:The only problem I have is you and making sure I put you through the same pain and suffering you’ve put me through. And believe you me Randy, at the Royal Rumble you will feel a pain like no other. Because you’re gonna feel the pain that comes with losing the WWE Championship, but you’re going to suffer like no one ever before, because at the Royal Rumble, I WILL DO WHATEVER IT TAKES TO TAKE BACK THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP AND KILL THE LEGEND KILLER ONCE AND FOR ALL

***BIG POP***

Orton smirks and then lifts the microphone to his mouth

Randy Orton:Well John there’s a little something I think needs to be said. . .

Orton drops the mic and goes for the RKO out of nowhere, but Cena pushes him away into the ropes. Just as Cena gets ready to go for him, Orton manages to hold onto the top rope and slips under the bottom rope to the outside. Cena then picks up the WWE Championship and raises it up in the air as “My Time is Now” plays again to a big pop. Orton flips on the outside as Cena then walks to the ropes and drops the belt down to the arena floor. Orton frantically runs to get it before Cena can leave the ring, but Cena stays on the inside and doesn’t take his eyes off Orton as they stare each other down

***COMMERCIAL BREAK***

A very happy looking Mr. Kennedy is with Elijah Burke & Layla in the hallway

***HEAT***

Mr. Kennedy:I’m glad I found you, and do I have a front page story for ya. . . You probably saw what happened last week when I made Chris Jericho look like the natural born loser that he is. . .

Elijah Burke:. . . Yeah man I saw that, but you lost a place in the Royal Rumble because of that. What the hell were ya thinkin bro?

Mr. Kennedy:See that’s why I like you man, you’re smart. . . The thing is I remembered what you did before Christmas when you beat Chris Jericho right here on Raw, and I had yet another huge trademark Kennedy brainstorm. So I went to see the boss earlier on tonight. . .

Elijah Burke:Get to the point man

Mr. Kennedy:Woah, snappy, I like that. . . The deal is I went to plead my case about how I, Mr. Kennedy the fastest rising superstar in the history of this business could be left out of the Royal Rumble. . . And you know what? Mr. McMahon apologised to me. . . apologised to me. He’s in a real great mood tonight and he agreed he was wrong to make the match he did last week, putting me and Jericho together. . . So tonight, he’s given me a second chance, and I also mentioned your name

Elijah Burke:My name?

Mr. Kennedy:That’s right, but you can show me your appreciation later on tonight after we win our match

Elijah Burke:Match. . . what match? What ya talkin about bro?

Mr. Kennedy:I’m talking about tonight, Elijah Brook. . .

Elijah Burke:. . . BURKE!

Mr. Kennedy:Elijah Burke and the fastest rising superstar in this business, MR. KENNEDYYYYYY. . . going up against the World Tag Team Champions for a spot in the Royal Rumble match. . . If we win, we’re both going to Madison Square Garden, the home of professional wrestling and where I. . . sorry, we will have the chance to book a trip to the grand daddy of them all. . . WRESTLEMANIA

ENDING: Eduardo has a side headlock on Cody, pulling hard at Cody’s head. As the crowd start to get behind him, Cody fights the hold strongly and is able to loosen the grip a little and pushes Eddie into the ropes. As Eduardo then comes back off the ropes, he barges Cody down to the mat. Eddie then sees Cody getting back up and turns back into the ropes to run them again, but as he comes back, Cody pleases the crowd as he drop toe holds Eddie, and then cheekily stands up and skins the cat, getting quite a pop. Eduardo doesn’t look happy as he stands back up and stares angrily at Cody.

The two come together and Eduardo swings with a right hand which Cody is able to duck and then whips the debuting star into the ropes, catching him with a hip toss as he comes back, landing on the mat. Eddie is quick back up, being encouraged strongly on the outside by his brother. He runs at Cody who stomps him in the gut, grabs Eduardo’s head and pulls it under his arm, then nails him with a SNAP SUPLEX. . . . . Cody turns over and quickly hooks both legs as the referee counts. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Eddie got his shoulder up to stop the count, but Carlito is pissed on the outside and stands up on the apron. Seeing the danger, Val Venis then walks round the other side and pulls him down by the feet. Carlito turns round with Cody watching on as Carlito then pushes Val in the chest. Val smiles and then explodes with a hard right hand, knocking Carlito down to the floor into the front of the announce table. With Cody smiling at what he’s just seen, he walks over to the corner and climbs to the top rope as Eduardo gets back up to a vertical base and turns round. Cody then dives off with a CROSS BODY. . . . . Cody lands on top of Eddie as they both fall back with Cody on top for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Eduardo is able to roll through and holds on for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Cody powers out as both men get right back up on their feet, as Eduardo walks into Cody and a SMALL PACKAGE. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Eduardo rolls through again for a cover of his own. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Another kick out from Cody as both men rush back up to their feet. Eddie swings at Cody with a right hand which he is able to block and follows up with a forearm shot to the face of Eduardo. The force knocks Eduardo into a daze as he is knocked back and spun round, and as he spins back round to face Cody, the youngest member of the Rhodes family, stomps him in the gut and plants him with a DDT. . . . . The crowd cheer as Cody then drops to the mat and goes for the cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

3 . . . . .

CODY QUALIFIES FOR THE RUMBLE!!!

AFTERMATH: Cody’s music hits but quickly stops as Carlito smashes Val on the outside with a steel chair to the back of the head. He then slides in the ring and Cody is quick to dodge the bullet as he slips under the bottom rope to the outside. He thinks about going round to check on Val, but Carlito just warns him off with the chair as Cody then looks really devastated at the bottom of the ramp, holding the top of his head in his hands as Eduardo stands back up slowly on the inside with an angry looking Carlito

***COMMERCIAL BREAK***

***VIDEO PROMO***

JR: We received word during the commercial break that right here tonight we are going to see the in ring return of John Cena when he teams up with the Intercontinental Champion Jeff Hardy to take on CM Punk and the WWE Champion, Randy Orton

The King: Oh my god JR, that is huge

***CUT BACKSTAGE***

Michelle McCool is standing by

Michelle McCool: Please welcome my guest at this time. . . CM Punk

There’s a lot of heat coming from arena as a smug looking CM Punk walks into the shot

Michelle McCool:Last week you qualified for the Royal Rumble, teaming up with Jeff Hardy to beat Chris Jericho and Mr. Kennedy. . . You also found out that you will be facing Jeff for the Intercontinental Championship on the same night. How does that feel?

CM Punk:How do you think it feels? . . . I thrive on competition, I doubt you can call Jeff that, but that forgotten, the Royal Rumble is a night I am going to remember for the rest of my life. . . Not only I am going to finish off what I’ve been doing for over six weeks in embarrassing the hell out of Jeff, and showing him just why I am ten times the wrestler and human being he is, but I will then walk into the Royal Rumble match as the Intercontinental Champion and walk out with the chance to become the WWE Champion at Wrestlemania

***HEAT***

CM Punk:A long, long time ago, a superstar by the name of The Ultimate Warrior did the exact same thing. He made an impact, just like I have since I came here and did the impossible. He beat Hulk Hogan at Wrestlemania and walked out of the biggest match in wrestling history with both the Intercontinental Championship and the WWE Championship, the very same accomplishment that I will achieve this year

Michelle McCool:Don’t you think Jeff Hardy will have something to say about that?

CM Punk:I’m sure he’d like to think so Michelle, but as history dictates, Jeff Hardy is nothing more than a common abuser who has had the misfortune to walk into someone who lets say, councils them alternatively. . . I’ve always had the upper hand on Jeff since day one, not just because I’m more talented than him, but because I’m smarter than him. That’s mainly down to the years of abuse his brain has suffered due to Jeff’s weakness when it comes to damaging substances. But make no mistake about it, I’ve proved it week after week after week, and I will do the same here tonight. . . I will prove that I will always be one step ahead of the no good user that is Jeff Hardy

***HEAT***

***CUT ACROSS THE BACK***

Cody Rhodes is walking through the backstage after coming from the arena when he sees Kelly Kelly standing on her own, looking happy to see him

Kelly looks a little on edge and a bit embarrassed while Cody looks a little distracted

Kelly Kelly:I just wanted to stop by and say thanks after what happened last week. I really appreciate what you helping me out like that

Cody Rhodes:Well it was no problem Kelly, anyone else would have done the same. . . I hope you don’t think I’m being rude, but I need to go check on Val and see how he is after that chair shot

Kelly looks disappointed

Kelly Kelly:Oh. . . well just before you go

Kelly leans in and kisses him on the cheek. She then pulls back a little but still close to Cody’s face. They look into each others eyes with the camera zoomed in on them as they then close their eyes and move in for a proper kiss when all of a sudden, Cody is pushed forward to his knees. The camera zooms out as we then see Carlito & Eduardo stomping across Cody’s back. Carlito then pulls him up as Eduardo punches him across the chest several times

Kelly Kelly:STOP IT. . . SOMEONE HELP

Carlito then pushes Cody into a couple of storage boxes as he and Eduardo smile and walk over to Kelly

Carlito:Now dat’s cool

Eduardo:Sure is bro. Maybe that’ll teach him not to mess with The Colon’s

They walk off laughing as Kelly runs over and checks on him

Kelly Kelly:Are you okay?

Cody squirms around but doesn’t respond as he just breathes heavy. Kelly lifts her head up and looks around

ENDING: London and Burke rush back up to their feet and London is first to react as he grabs Burke by the wrist and whips him into the ropes, but as Burke comes back, he shocks London with a hard falling clothesline. Burke is quick to get back up as he then reaches down to pull London back up to his feet and whips one half of the World Tag Team Champions into the ropes. And as London comes back, Burke steps forward, grabs London around the waist, lifts him up into the air and then plants him with a SPINNING SIT DOWN SPINEBUSTER. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Kendrick runs in and pulls Burke away by the feet, then rushes back to the apron. Burke stands up looking pissed off towards Kendrick but turns his attention back to London and pulls him back up to his feet. He then whips the high flier hard into the corner, then backs up into the corner and pulls his knee pads down to his ankles. He then charges into the opposite corner towards London for the ELIJAH EXPRESS. . . . . London steps to the side as Burke’s knees crash into the pads and then he falls back to the mat. London reacts quickly and drags Burke by the arms away from the corner and hits a perfectly executed STANDING MOONSAULT FLIP. . . . . He stays on his chest for a cover

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

London then gets back up to his feet, drags Burke by the arms, closer to his corner and then makes the tag to Kendrick who climbs straight to the top rope and jumps down, landing on Burke’s chest for a MUSHROOM STOMP. . . . . Kendrick looks to take advantage as he drops to the mat and hooks both legs for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Kendrick sits back up as Burke lifts his head up and holds his chest as he then starts to crawl towards the corner adjacent to London as Kendrick then stands back up and watches on. Burke then uses the ropes to help himself up, but as he turns round, Kendrick then charges in and stomps him in the gut and grabs him by the head as he then runs into the corner and up to the second rope, looking to hit the SLICED BREAD #2. . . . . As Kendrick turns in the air, Burke is able to counter and pushes Kendrick forward and down to the mat. Boos come from the crowd as Burke looks on with a smile on his face. He takes a couple of seconds to recover as Kendrick too starts to stand back up. Burke then sees the opportunity as he charges at Kendrick who turns round and into a thunderous lariat from Burke. The Guiding Light then readjusts his position on the mat as he goes for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Kendrick just gets a shoulder up, leaving Burke a little frustrated. He stands back up, walks over to his corner and tags in Kennedy, which generates a lot of heat from the crowd. Kennedy doesn’t take any notice of the fans whatsoever as he charges over to Kendrick’s body and drags him up to his feet where he just starts pummelling him with hard right hands and chops, forcing Kendrick back into the corner. He then lifts Kendrick up into a sitting position on the top rope and climbs up to the second rope himself. He turns round to face the ring and then lifts Kendrick onto his shoulders for the GREEN BAY PLUNGE. . . . .

Kendrick looks in trouble, but London storms across the apron and holds onto Kendrick’s body. Kennedy turns his head and sees what London is doing. He immediately lets go of Kendrick and drops down to the mat, stomps London in the gut and smashes him with an uppercut, knocking him off the apron. Kennedy looks down at him for a second before turning round to see Kendrick standing on the top rope and then as he leaps off, connecting with a DIVING CROSS BODY. . . . . He lands on top of Kennedy as the ref counts the fall

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Kennedy uses his power to lift Kendrick off his chest as both men are quick back up to their feet. Kennedy strikes first with an eye gauge which earns a warning from the referee, but with Kendrick in a daze, Kennedy doesn’t need any invitation as he then plants him with a SPINNING NECKBREAKER. . . . . WHAT IMPACT! . . . . . Kendrick is motionless on the mat as Kennedy stands back up and walks over to the corner as London climbs back up on the apron, provoking Kennedy to shift across as he then drives his boot into London’s face, sending him right back down to the floor. Kennedy walks straight into the corner and climbs to the top rope where he then leaps off and connects with the KENTON BOMB. . . . . He scurries back across the mat and hooks both legs for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

3 . . . . .

THAT’S ALL SHE WROTE!

AFTERMATH: “Turn up the Trouble” hits as Kennedy stands back up and Burke climbs back through the ropes. The ref goes to raise their arms, but Kennedy just gives him an intimidating stare to get rid of him. Layla climbs into the ring and hugs Burke as Kennedy walks to the corner and climbs to the second rope where he trash talks people in the first few rows

There’s a big pop coming from the arena as a low key Jericho walks into the shot

Todd Grisham:First off Chris, I have to ask you how you feel about what Mr. Kennedy did to you last week, costing you a place in the Royal Rumble match

Chris Jericho:Todd, I don’t think it takes much for anyone to imagine how I angry and pissed off I was last week after having Mr. Kennedy yet again sneak attack me. . . But I must admit that last week he really made me angry. Not many people can push the buttons that he did last week. . . Now I know he didn’t mean to cost me a place in the Rumble match because we were partners, and the implications of losing were the same for the both of us. However, what he did, did result in us losing out match and our places in the Rumble

***HEAT***

Chris Jericho:I think we all know why he did it too. . . He can’t bare to sit around and see that there is one person on this show with more charisma than him, and you’re looking at him right now. . . Y2J Chris Jericho

***POP***

Chris Jericho:He couldn’t stand the fact that at Saturday Night’s Main Event, I went in that ring and did what he didn’t think I was going to, and that was beat him one, two, three in the very middle of the ring. . .

***POP***

Chris Jericho:Now he knows the truth, he’s not as charismatic as me and nowhere near talented as the sexy beast baby

***POP***

Jericho seems to lighten up

Chris Jericho:And let me tell you something Ken, you might have thought you got away with what you did last week, but you’re not the only who’s got a second chance tonight. . . See the McMahon clowns aren’t the only one with any stroke around here, and right here tonight on RAW IS JERICHO. . . IT WILL BE THE SEXY BEAST, THE AYATOLLAH OF ROCK AND ROLLAAAH COMPETING IN FRONT OF ALL THE JERICHOLIC’S FOR A PLACE IN THE ROYAL RUMBLE MATCH BABY

***BIG POP***

Chris Jericho:And once the night is through, you will know that the winner of the 2008 Royal Rumble is Y2J, CHRIS JERICHOOOOO

***HUGE POP***

***CUT TO THE ARENA***

“No Chance in Hell” blasts out as JBL’s limousine drives into the arena next to the stage. Vince & Shane McMahon along with JBL then are let out of the car by JBL’s driver as they then make their way to the ring

***MAJOR HEAT***

Vince McMahon:Well it sure is hot here tonight in Topeka. . .

***HEAT***

Vince looks at Shane & JBL

Vince McMahon:Tough crowd! . . . Well I guess I shouldn’t have been expecting any other kind of reaction here tonight if I am to be totally honest with myself. But the simple fact of the matter is I really don’t care what you or anyone else think, as the only people whose opinion I value are stood in this ring with me right now

***HEAT***

Vince McMahon:I will not have you show my children such blatant and undeserved disrespect, NOW SHUT THE HELL UP BECAUSE I HAVE SOMETHING TO SAY

***MAJOR HEAT***

Vince McMahon:I SAID, SHHHUUUUUTTT UPPPP

***HEAT***

Vince McMahon:I guess you people are just going to keep making noise until I leave this ring, but I’m not going to let that happen. I came out here for a reason damn it and I’m not going to let anyone ruin what is a truly monumental moment in the history of the McMahon family as I stand out here alongside my two children, the best sons anyone in the world could wish to call their family

***HEAT***

Vince McMahon:Oh I think I’ve established just why you’re so upset. I’ve not made a mistake, I only have two children and they are my two boys, Shane and John. As far as Stephanie is concerned, she is not a McMahon and not my daughter. For all I care, she can go straight to hell

Vince McMahon:But I forget. . . I’m sorry I do this all the time. Is it me or is Triple H the WWE Champion or not? It’s just I seem to remember him coming within touching distance last week. . . Oh that’s right, I SCREWED HIM AT THE LAST SECOND. . .

***TONS OF HEAT***

Vince McMahon:. . . I SCREWED HIM AND I LOVED EVERY MINUTE OF IT

***HEAT***

Vince McMahon:For months he played with my head and even tried to insinuate that my illegitimate child was none other than an Irish leprechaun, and then kept me from the truth. . . It wasn’t just him though, it was my deceitful former daughter Stephanie who already showed her loyalty to this family by blatantly disobeying my orders and marrying that no good Triple H. . . He never has and never will be good enough to be a member of this family. . . NEVER

***HEAT***

Vince McMahon:And that’s why I had to play them at their own game if I was going to come out on top like I always do. . . Steph, Hunter, I don’t have any idea why you thought this time would be any different. . . I always come out on top, I’M VINCENT KENNEDY McMAHON FOR CRYING OUT LOUD

***HEAT***

Vince McMahon:YOU SHOWED ME NO RESPECT, SO I SCREWED YOU OUT OF THE MOST IMPORTANT THING IN YOUR LIFE HUNTER, THE WWE CHAMPIONSHIP. . . NOT ONCE BUT TWICE

***HEAT***

Vince McMahon:And how sweet it was. I just can’t make up my mind which one I enjoyed most. . . Now Saturday Night’s Main Event was fun because I got to see you panic too Steph when you noticed your little baby girl was missing. And the look in your eyes Hunter when you had to leave her and go fight for the WWE Championship was something to behold for many a year to come. . . See Steph, that’s why I told you he was nowhere near good enough for you. He abandoned you and his own daughter for the chance to become the WWE Champion. . . Well with a few words of encouragement from our little undercover agent Shane here

***HEAT***

Vince McMahon:No one, but no one expected Shane to be in on the act, but that’s all it was Steph, an act! . . . You played with me, so I played with you and you got what was coming to you. . . And last week when everyone though Triple H had the WWE Championship in the bag, who was there to steal it away from him? . . . That’s right, it was me. And then just when my long lost son here beat the hell out of Triple H just like he did at Saturday Night’s Main Event, Agent Shane here fooled you all by coming to the rescue of Triple H, only to stab him in the back in the cruellest way possible

***HEAT***

Vince McMahon:I can’t imagine how you felt Hunter when Shane drove that chair that might as well have been a knife right into your back. Your last ounce of power and opportunity fell, just like your body. . . And the best thing about all this is, it’s only going to get worse

Shane steps forward and takes the microphone while Vince steps back

Shane McMahon:I really think you all ought to show the respect my father truly deserves

***LOTS OF HEAT***

Shane McMahon:Fine, have it your way, but what I have to say might be just a little painful. . . See all week there’s been one question on everyone’s mind. . . Why Shane? Why screw over Triple H and your sister? . . . Well. . . why not? . . . What have they ever done for me? . . . Seriously, I can’t believe you were all so naïve. . . well maybe not, but every single one of you swallowed each and every last detail as we set out. . . And why? . . . Because you, Hunter and Stephanie all believe what you want to hear. . . It also has something to do with you having the intellect of a three year old, but that’s not important right now

***HEAT***

Shane McMahon:The simple answer really is that I did what any other son would do. I did exactly what anybody else in my position would have. . . I respected my father’s wishes and did what he wanted me to. . . I didn’t do it to spite my little sister and her husband, but because I my respect my father, something that Stephanie should have learnt. . . Our father gave us everything we have in the world, and I did the right thing and appreciated that while Stephanie acted like the brat that she is and wanted more. . . I owe my father my entire life for the privileges I have had, and I did what I had to because I owe him everything and I owe Stephanie and Hunter absolutely nothing

***HEAT***

JBL then steps forward and takes the microphone while Shane steps back

JBL:Like my father and brother have already said, Stephanie is the most ungrateful and spoilt person walking this planet. Not only did she disobey the person who gave her everything she could ever wish for and more, she disrespected him in the single most damaging of ways by disobeying him. . . She disobeyed the man who created this billion dollar empire you see before your eyes from almost nothing, and for that she should be punished

***HEAT***

JBL:My father, Vincent Kennedy McMahon cut her loose, and for that he should be praised and not discredited. . . It was Stephanie and her husband, Triple H, the single most selfish human being to ever set foot on American soil that then took my fathers natural emotions and toyed with them like they were play dough. . . But at the same time, they hid the deep dark secret regarding my upbringing from both myself and my father

***MAJOR HEAT***

JBL:This is why myself and my father are where we are today, BECAUSE WE ARE NOT SOCIAL INGRATES LIKE ALL YOU PEOPLE WHO GET OFF ON WATCHING OTHERS SUFFER FOR NOTHING MORE THAN CHEAP KICKS. WE ARE SELF MADE MILLIONAIRES WHILE YOU ARE SELF MADE PEASANTS

***HEAT***

JBL:YOU SIT THERE ON THE EDGE OF YOUR CHEAP FOLD UP SEAT COMING TO RAW EVERY WEEK TO WATCH PEOPLE SUFFER IN THIS RING, BUT FROM NOW ON THE ONLY PEOPLE WHO SUFFER WILL BE YOU

“SHUT THE F*CK UP”

JBL looks absolutely livid and takes a short pause, but sill looks pissed

JBL:SHANE, MY FATHER AND I ARE GOING TO TREAT TRIPLE H AND STEPHANIE THE WAY YOU AND THEY TREATED MY FATHER. . .

“I’m All Grown Up” hits and Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley walks out to the top of the entrance with a microphone in hand

***HUGE POP***

JBL turns his head and looks furious that he was cut off by Stephanie

JBL:WHO THE HELL. . .

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley:. . . John, do us all a favour and shut up

***HUGE POP***

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley:I’ve heard every single word each of you have had to say, and it’s time you heard what I have to say, because I think you’re going to enjoy it

***POP***

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley:Now you have all said the same thing about me disobeying my father to marry Hunter, and you’re right, I did. I made my own decision, something you should try once in your life Shane. . . I’m an individual, and I refuse to live out the life you want me to have dad, I deserve my own happiness, and that’s what I have with Triple H. . . And I have news for you, I’m not going to give it up anytime soon

***POP***

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley:Now I’m not going to keep all these people occupied with all the crap you’ve been telling them, I’m out here with some cold hard facts, some facts you might not like daddy. . . First off, the only family I need is Hunter, my daughter, my unborn baby. . . and oh yeah. . . my mother. You forget about her dad? Because I have a feeling you’re gonna be giving her a phone call later on tonight. . . See daddy, for the last week, Hunter has been wearing the carpet away at our house, knowing full well that you and Shane have all the power around here since you both own twenty five percent of the company, and will more than likely be making his life a living hell from now on

***HEAT***

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley:Now dad, you know that I also have a twenty percent share in the company, and this is where it gets interesting. . . so does mum

***POP***

Vince McMahon:WHAT THE HELL HAS SHE DONE?

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley:Well dad, cutting a long story short. . . she gave it to me and Hunter

***HUGE POP***

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley:So as far as I’m aware that means you and Shane control fifty percent of the company, while me and Hunter have the remaining fifty percent

***POP***

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley:So dad, if you think you’re going to run things around here, you’ve got another thing coming. . . And the first decision that we’ve made before you try everything you can to stop it, Hunter has been officially entered into the Royal Rumble match

***BIG POP***

Vince McMahon:Steph, if you want to play games with me, you’re way out of your depth. You’re playing with fire and you’re going to get burned

***HEAT***

Vince McMahon:And just for the record Steph if we’re making big decisions around here, you can consider my two children, Shane and John also officially entered as participants in the 2008 Royal Rumble match

***HEAT***

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley:Well that’s not exactly a surprise dad, but you are going to get one tonight. . . See me and Hunter have been talking on our way here. . . Oh yeah dad, he is here tonight, he’s just waiting until the time is right, and that time is in the main event

***POP***

Vince and his boys look on with interest

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley:Seeing you’re so proud of your boy’s dad, we thought we’d give them the chance to show the world just how proud of them you are. . .

Vince looks at them and nods before they all look back up at Steph

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley:. . . They are going to have the chance to do what you want dad, and that’s get their hands on my husband. . . But dad it’s not going to be a handicap match. Oh no, this is the little surprise. You’re going to have to wait until later on when you find out who we have chosen to be Hunter’s tag team partner

***POP***

Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley:And dad, I just hope your children make you proud tonight

“The Game” blasts out as Triple H walks out to the entrance to stand alongside Steph as they stare down intensely at The McMahon’s in the ring as we go to commercial

***COMMERCIAL BREAK***

***MATCH #3***

ROYAL RUMBLE QUALIFYING MATCHChris Jerichovs.Stevie Richards

ENDING: Jericho hits Stevie with a succession of right hands and then grabs him by the arm and whips him into the ropes, then tosses him overhead as he comes back with a BACK BODY DROP. . . . . Stevie isn’t giving up without a fight, knowing a place in the Rumble is at stake as he stands back up to his feet, but walks into a standing dropkick from Y2J. Jericho is back up in a flash as he then reaches down and pulls Stevie back up to his feet and chops him back into the corner before then whipping him into the opposite corner.

Jericho takes a second before charging at Stevie and hitting him with a hard clothesline across the chest. Stevie staggers out of the corner as Jericho then tries to whip him into the ropes, but it’s reversed by Stevie. Jericho though comes flying back off the ropes and nails him with a SPINNING WHEEL KICK. . . . . Jericho picks himself back up as Stevie takes a few seconds longer to get back to a vertical base. As Richards is making his way back up, Jericho runs behind him, runs back off the ropes and plants him with a ONE ARM BULLDOG. . . . . Jericho scurries back across the mat as he then goes for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Jericho looks a little shocked for a second before he races back up to his feet as he then hops over Richards chest and runs into the ropes, springboards and goes for the LIONSAULT. . . . . Stevie is able to get his knees up as Jericho’s chest meets them, OUCH. . . . . Jericho falls back to the mat as Stevie starts to sit up and then is able to stand back up. He then drags Jericho back up to his feet and sets him up for the STEVIE T. . . . . The crowd are in shock as Stevie shouts out, but Jericho is able to slip behind him and pushes him into the ropes. And as Stevie comes back off the ropes, Jericho ducks down a little to grab Richards by the legs and pulls him into position for the WALLS OF JERICHO. . . . .

The crowd are on their feet as Jericho begins to apply the pressure to Stevie, hoping to make him tap, but Richards is resilient and is able to pull himself to the ropes quickly before Jericho can fully apply the hold. Jericho is in shock as he lets go of the hold and turns round to grab Stevie’s legs again, but as he holds onto the bottom rope, Stevie kicks Jericho off, knocking him into the centre of the ring. With Jericho knocked into a daze, Stevie helps himself up by the ropes and then runs at Jericho, who turns round and sees Stevie coming in time to nail him with a ENZIGURI. . . . . What a counter from Jericho, who looks to take advantage straight away as he scurries across and hooks the legs for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Jericho is again in shock as Stevie continues to fight for his place in the Royal Rumble. Jericho then gets back up to his feet and reaches down to grab Stevie by the head, but then decides to let go for some reason. He then steps over the chest of Richards and decides one more time to go for the LIONSAULT. . . . . As Jericho springboards, Stevie is able to roll to the side. Jericho though lands on his feet, but as he turns round, Stevie is back up on his feet and goes for the STEVIE KICK. . . . . Jericho this time is able to duck it as he then slips behind Stevie, and as Richards turns round, Jericho reaches forward and grabs him by the head, then brings him crashing down into his knees for the CODEBREAKER. . . . . The crowd stand up and cheer as Jericho moves across the mat to go for the cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

3 . . . . .

JERICHO IS ON THE WAY TO MADISON SQUARE GARDEN!

AFTERMATH: “Break The Walls Down” blasts out as Chris Jericho stands back up and gets his arm raised before walking to the ropes and posing for the crowd

***CUT BACKSTAGE***

Orlando Jordan is on his cell phone in the backstage area

***HEAT***

Orlando Jordan:It’s so great to be back here man, I can’t tell you how sweet it feels. I’m right in the middle of something so big it’s gonna blow the roof of this joint any minute. . . And you know what? . . . I think might just become an adopted member of the McMahon family. . .

We then see Ron Killings walk up behind Jordan and he just stops behind him with a disapproving look on his face

***POP***

Jordan turns his head, looking annoyed to see Killings right by his side

Orlando Jordan:I’ll call you back

He turns back to Killings after putting his phone away

Ron Killings:You really are an idiot aren’t ya

Orlando Jordan:I beg your pardon

Ron Killings:What’s the problem? I thought your hearing would be just about right since this is one of the rare times I’ve seen ya without your head up JBL’s ass

***POP***

Ron Killings:Hey but last week, it was up Vince McMahon’s. What’s that all about dowg?

Orlando Jordan:Wait just a minute. Are you going to tell me just who the hell you are and what you’re doin back here disrespecting a former United States Champion?

Ron Killings:Hey, I expected that. But just like you I’m one of Raw’s newest stars in town, and maybe we can both come to a deal. . . How about next week we have ourselves a match? That’s if you can pull your head out of JBL’s ass for long enough to get your own ass kicked

***POP***

Jordan looks very uncomfortable and puts on a fake smile

Orlando Jordan:Yeah, you’re on

Ron Killings:Great, I’ll see you next week dowg

Killings then walks off with Jordan giving him an evil look

***CUT ACROSS THE BACK***

A happy looking Beth Phoenix is walking through the back with the Womens Championship over her shoulder

***HEAT***

She gets further down the hall and a backstage worker approaches her

Backstage Worker:Beth, there’s been a delivery for you, it’s in your dressing room

Beth Phoenix:For me, really? . . . Okay thanks

The Glamazon looks a little surprised, but then smiles a little as she walks down the hall to her dressing room. She opens the door gently and walks in, followed by the camera. There is nothing there, just her travel bag when she then hears the door slammed. She turns around and looks shocked to the core as the camera pans to see Victoria standing by the door

***POP***

The camera then zooms out so we see Victoria and Phoenix

Beth Phoenix:What the. . . ?

Victoria:What’s wrong Beth? . . . Weren’t you expecting me? . . . I told them to let you know you had a surprise waiting for you, and here I am

Phoenix looks really confused

Beth Phoenix:What. . . Why?

Victoria:Have you seriously forgotten what you did to me Beth? . . . Thanks to you, I was laid up in hospital with a severe concussion for over a week and out of action for nearly two months. . .

Beth Phoenix:That was an accident. I didn’t mean for you to hit your head like that when you fell. How I could have seen that coming?

Victoria:It doesn’t matter. The fact is it happened, it’s your fault and I’m cleared to compete again

***POP***

Victoria walks forward and right up to The Glamazon, who looks a little worried and still taken aback

Victoria:And you know what I fancy doing to let off some steam? . . . Don’t worry, I’m not going to get my revenge tonight, but I will soon. . . I’ve just come to say that you might have beaten Trish Stratus at Saturday Night’s Main Event, but I’m putting you on notice that that title on your shoulder won’t be there for much longer

***POP***

Victoria:You might intimidate the rest of the divas, but this time Beth, you’ve really met your match

***POP***

Victoria starts to back away, but not taking her eyes off of Phoenix who looks a little intimidated for one of the first times in her career

***COMMERCIAL BREAK***

***VIDEO PROMO***We see video clips of every Royal Rumble winner, split seconds of each one and it ends in a graphic of Madison Square Garden

NARRATOR: For over twenty years, one of sports entertainment’s most landmark events has captivated the hearts of millions across the world, but in 2008, this most prestigious of events will return to the heart of the United States of America. . . New York City. . . The Royal Rumble, Sunday 28th January, live only on pay-per-view

***CUT TO THE ARENA***

***MATCH #4***

John Cena & Jeff Hardy w/Sunnyvs.CM Punk & Randy Orton

ENDING: Orton pummels Cena with right hands, grabs his wrist and whips him into the ropes, but as Cena comes back, he ducks underneath and runs through, comes back off the ropes and hits Orton with a DIVING SHOULDER TACKLE. . . . . It’s met with the usual mix of cheers and boos as both men pick themselves back up with Cena stomping Orton in the gut and then lifting him up onto his shoulder and planting him with a SPINNING SIT DOWN SIDE SUPLEX. . . . . Cena holds onto the leg for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Cena is quick up back to his feet where he waits patiently for Orton who isn’t far behind him, and as Orton gets up, Cena pounces straight away by lifting Orton up onto his shoulders for the F U. . . . . The crowd goes crazy, but Orton drives his elbow into the side of Cena’s head and is able to slip down his back, then grabs Cena around the neck and brings him down onto his knee for the INVERTED SIDE BACK BREAKER. . . . . Orton drops to the mat too with the fatigue of the match getting to him. It’s Cena who starts to move first as he crawls towards his corner with Orton following him as he too crawls along the mat grabbing Cena’s foot, but Cena is able to get to his corner and jumps up to tag in Jeff. . . . .

A big pop breaks out as Jeff climbs through the ropes and stomps on the back of Orton’s head as Cena crawls under the bottom rope onto the apron. Jeff then helps Orton up to his feet and goes for a right hand, but Orton blocks it and stomps him in the gut, then goes for an irish whip. This time Jeff reverses it and as Orton comes back at Jeff, he drives his elbow into the side of Hardy’s head, sending him spinning. Orton capitalises straight away as he moves up behind Jeff, grabs his head and places it under his arm, then plants him with the OVERDRIVE. . . . . Jeff lands face first on the mat and isn’t moving as Orton turns him over and hooks the leg for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Orton looks up at Jack Doan in shock that Jeff kicked out. He then stands back up and sees Cena standing back up on the apron, runs over and knocks him down to the floor with a mild shoulder barge. Orton then walks back over to Jeff and drops to the mat and a horizontal base, stalking him for the RKO, doing slight press ups as he waits. And as Jeff shows slight signs of coming round, Orton sees Cena getting back on the apron in the corner of his eye. The Legend Killer hops back up and charges at Cena, but this time Orton nails him with a right hand, knocking him off balance. Cena then climbs through the ropes and punches him square in the face, and then whips him hard into his corner where Punk slaps Orton across the back for a blind tag, which is acknowledged by Doan.

Punk is about to climb through the ropes until Cena charges at Orton and clotheslines him in the corner. Orton staggers out as he and Cena then pummel each other with hard right hands as Doan tries to get in between them, but to no avail. Seeing the ref distracted and Jeff starting to sit up, Punk drops off the apron, walks over to the timekeepers table and takes the Intercontinental Championship. He then slides in the ring behind Doan’s view and urges Jeff up. And as Jeff is able to pick himself up and turn round, Punk charges at him with the title belt, ready to smash him in the face, but Jeff ducks it to a huge pop from the crowd. He then kicks Punk in the gut and pulls his head in position for the TWIST OF FATE. . . . .

Punk though capitalises as Jeff wastes just a split second, allowing Punk to drop to his knees and low blow him. With Doan still trying to sort out the fight between Cena and Orton in the corner, Punk picks up the title belt again. Jeff slowly pulls himself back up too with Sunny looking worried on the outside as Punk then stands up with the belt and smashes it right into Jeff’s face at the second time of asking. He then slides the belt into the corner of the ring by the apron as Cena pulls Orton out of the corner and hits him with a hard right hand. Orton lands right up against the ropes as Cena then clotheslines him over the top rope to the outside. He is quick to follow him out as Doan looks a bit more relieved. Cena then follows Orton as the WWE Champion crawls to the barricade.

As Orton stands up by the barricade, Cena clotheslines him over it close to a gap in the crowd. Again Cena follows him and hops over the barricade as he and Orton then brawl all the way through the crowd to the back. Punk stands there smiling in the ring as he reaches down and pulls Jeff up to his feet, then lifts him onto his shoulders and brings him crashing down to the mat with the GTS. . . . . Punk is about to go for a cover when he stops and seems to have a brainwave as he stands back up and walks over to the corner. He then climbs up to the top rope getting a lot of heat from the crowd before he leaps off and hits Jeff with a SWANTON BOMB. . . . . The crowd boo Punk like crazy, but he just smirks as he slowly crawls across the mat and goes for the cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

3 . . . . .

DING. . . . . DING. . . . . DING!

AFTERMATH: “This Fire Burns” blasts out as Punk stands back up with a massive smile on his face. Sunny climbs into the ring and yells at Doan for not spotting the belt in the corner. She then walks over and picks it up as Punk turns around in amazement. She walks back to Doan and puts it right in his face, but Punk then decides to get involved. He walks up behind her and grabs the belt off her. Sunny turns round in anger, then goes to slap Punk, but he grabs her hand to block it. Doan then grabs her by the waist and pulls her back as Punk then turns round with the belt in hand, raises it up in the air above Jeff’s body and then walks to the back with Jeff’s title belt as Sunny flips out with Jeff then sitting up and looking towards Punk, not sure of what just happened

***CUT BACKSTAGE***

The McMahon boys are together in the GM’s Office. Shane & JBL are dressed to compete as Vince stands in front of them

***MAJOR HEAT***

Vince McMahon:Listen up fellas, I know this is your first match together and you’re probably thinking about just who the hell Triple H and my damn evil daughter Stephanie have plucked out of the sky to face you two tonight. . . But whatever you do, do not worry about whoever this SOB is, because they’re sure as hell not a McMahon like us

***HEAT***

Vince McMahon:And you know what that means? . . . It means there not a winner like us, they’re a loser just like Triple H

***HEAT***

Vince McMahon:And before you go out there, I would like to say just how much I am proud of you boys, and it will be a great honour for me to stand out there and watch my two sons go out and join forces in the fight against evil. . . I don’t think I could ever be so proud as I feel tonight. . . All I want you to do is go out there and prove to the world why you’re both McMahon’s and why that no good, down right despicable letch, Triple H never will be

***HEAT***

Vince McMahon:Shane, John, I want you to know that I will be right there to support you until the very end when you leave Triple H and whoever his damn partner is, lying in a pool of their own blood

***HEAT***

There’s a knock at the door and Orlando Jordan peeps his head in

Orlando Jordan:Are you guys done with your family talk?

Vince McMahon:I think we’re there aren’t we fellas?

Shane McMahon:I’m ready dad

JBL:I’ve never been more ready to go out to that ring and fight like my life depends on it

Vince McMahon:There you go, that’s why you’re a McMahon. . .Now let’s go show the world what the McMahon men can do. . . You too Orlando

Jordan smirks as Vince, Shane & JBL walk out of the room to a lot of heat from the arena

***CUT ACROSS THE BACK***

We see Triple H & Stephanie McMahon-Helmsley walking through the back with very serious looks on both their faces as they make their way towards the ring for the main event coming up next!

***COMMERCIAL BREAK***

With everyone in the ring, they all stand waiting for the arrival of Triple H’s tag team partner as “The Game” stops playing

There’s a good ten second wait as the crowd fall silent as they stand on their feet when. . .

“Sprach Zarathustra” hits & Ric Flair walks down to the ring, getting a huge pop from the standing audience

ENDING: JBL walks over to Flair and pulls him up to his feet. Flair looks a little groggy, giving JBL even more determination as he fires at Flair with a couple of hard right hands to the head, knocking him even more off balance. JBL then grabs Flair by the arm and whips him into the corner. JBL takes a second before he then runs in at Flair, but The Nature Boy is able to lift his boot up into the face of JBL, getting a big pop from the audience. The cheer gets louder as JBL staggers out of the corner and Flair pulls himself up to the second rope where he then jumps off and goes for an axe handle. JBL though sees it coming and stomps Flair in the gut, then follows it up with an irish whip and as Flair comes back off the ropes, JBL catches him with a BIG BOOT TO THE FACE. . . . . He drops to the mat and goes for a lazy cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

JBL looks a little frustrated as he slowly makes his way back up to his feet and then drags Flair back up to his as he then scoops Flair up into a horizontal position next to his own chest and then leans back, releasing Flair who crashes backwards and down to the mat from a FALLAWAY SLAM. . . . . Flair hit hard as JBL takes all the time in the world as he sits back up and looks over to Vince on the outside as they both smile at each other. He is also slow as he makes his way up to his feet and walks over to Flair and drags him back up to a vertical base instead of opting to go for a cover. Flair is very groggy as JBL then whips him into the ropes and ducks his head, giving Flair a chance as he comes back off the ropes and swings his boot right into the kisser of JBL.

The crowd enjoyed that as JBL drops to his knees. Flair looks to follow up as he steps back into the ropes, comes back and drives his knee into the side of JBL’s head, knocking him flat down to the mat. Flair then looks to seize the initiative as he moves round to JBL’s legs and lifts them up, trying to lock in the FIGURE FOUR LEG LOCK. . . . . The crowd cheer like crazy as Flair tries to manoeuvre JBL’s legs into position, but JBL is too strong and is able to push Flair away and down to the mat. It takes both men a good five seconds before they can pick themselves back up, and as they get up, they run at each other, knocking each other back down to the mat with a double clothesline. It takes them both a while again before they start to come round and start to crawl towards their respective corners, with JBL making the tag.

There’s a huge pop as Shane climbs through the ropes only to see Flair tag in Triple H. There’s no messing about as Trips steps through the ropes and charges at Shane, knocking him down with a clothesline. Shane gets right back up and walks right into another clothesline from The Game. Again Shane gets up, but this time he ducks a right hand from his brother-in-law and tries for an irish whip. It’s reversed by The Game, and as Shane comes back off the ropes, Trips jumps up and lifts his knee into Shane’s face, getting a pop from the crowd while Vince looks on anxiously. Triple H then steps back into the ropes, comes back and jumps up into the air before dropping his knee across the neck of Shane. He then reaches over and hooks Shane’s leg as Chioda counts the fall. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

There are some boos heard as Shane gets his shoulder up in time, but The Game stands back up and lifts his arms in the air and drives them back for his signature taunt while JBL & Vince look on nervously with Stephanie smiling on the other side of the ring. As Shane stands back up slowly, Triple H stands behind him, stalking him. And as Shane then turns round, Trips stomps him hard in the gut and pulls Shane’s head between his legs for the PEDIGREE. . . . . The crowd explodes, only for JBL to enter the ring, run at The Game and strike him across the side of the head with his forearm. Trips drops to his knees and loses the grip on Shane as Chioda walks over to JBL and tells him to leave the ring. While he does this, Trips starts to make his way up slowly from his knees, only for Shane to pull himself up to his knees and low blow him, then follows up with a SNAP DDT. . . . .

The crowd boo heavily as both Shane and Triple H hit the mat, but Vince looks impressed with Shane as he smiles on the outside while JBL steps back onto the apron and Chioda turns back round. Both Triple H and Shane remain on the mat for a while before they start to make their way back up. It’s Shane who’s up first and he helps The Game up from his knees, but Trips explodes as he shoots up and unleashes some hard right hands on Shane, putting him on the back foot. He then grabs him by the arm and whips him into the ropes, and as Shane comes back off the ropes, Trips steps forward, grabs him by the waist and sends him crashing down to the mat with the DOUBLE A SPINEBUSTER. . . . . A huge pop breaks out for that one as Triple H looks to finish the match off as he goes for a cover. . . . .

1 . . . . .

2 . . . . .

NO!

Shane somehow got his shoulder up with JBL, Vince & Jordan looking relieved on the apron and the outside. Triple H can’t believe it as he sits up and looks over disappointedly at Flair and Stephanie too. He then stands back up to his feet with his back to JBL, but then shocks him by turning at speed, running over and knocking him off the apron with a knee lift to the face. JBL drops to the arena floor clutching his face as Vince goes to check on him while Jordan remains focused on the action. Trips looks down and smiles before turning his attention back to Shane as he walks over and pulls the squirming McMahon up to his knees and again sets him up for the PEDIGREE. . . . . The crowd all stand up, but as Triple H laps it up, Flair tries to warn him as Orlando Jordan slides in the ring with A STEEL CHAIR AND SMASHES HIM ACROSS THE BACK. . . . . CHIODA CALLS FOR THE BELL

AFTERMATH: The bell rings and Flair steps through the ropes, but as he makes his way over to Jordan, JBL has slid back in the ring and charges at Flair, connecting with a huge CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL. . . . . The crowd boo like crazy as JBL then tells Jordan to lift Triple H up. Shane then starts to come round and helps Jordan lift The Game back to his feet. Stephanie then panics on the outside and decides to slide in as Vince mocks her right by her side. Before she can get in, Vince grabs her foot and pulls her back out. She turns round and slaps her dad right across the chops, but as she’s doing that, at the same time, Shane & Orlando hold Triple H up at either side, then let go as JBL comes back off the ropes and nails him with a CLOTHESLINE FROM HELL. . . . .

The crowd boo even more, but then Stephanie does slide in the ring and tries to get to her husband, but JBL grabs her as she stands up and pushes her away, back into the corner. She falls as she hits the pads and drops to her ass. Shane’s eyes then light up as he stomps Flair off the apron and climbs under the bottom rope, then looks under the ring. He reaches under and pulls out a trash can, then tosses it up over the top rope and into the ring. Vince looks on with a huge smile on his face as Shane then slips back in the ring. Steph gets back up, but JBL walks over to her and blocks her into the corner, holding onto her shoulders as Vince slides in the ring and helps keep Stephanie back. They then step to the side, still holding onto her and making her look on as Shane drags Triple H to the corner and sits him up against the bottom rope.

He then walks over and picks up the trash can, getting a lot of heat as he then walks back over to The Game and wedges the trash can against his chest and between the second and bottom rope. JBL & Vince encourage him along with Jordan as Shane then walks to the corner and climbs to the top rope with Stephanie screaming out at him not to do it. But it’s too late as Shane then leaps across the ring and nails his brother-in-law with THE COAST TO COAST. . . . . Huge boos ring out inside the arena as Shane stands back up and smiles right at Triple H’s fallen body. Vince & JBL let go of Steph, who then runs right towards her husband as her father and brothers all hug in the middle of the ring and then high five each other with Jordan too as Raw goes off the air

Last night we got the shock of our lives when John Cena returned to Raw for the first time since his horrific injury last year. It was said that he would be out for around nine months, but Cena reassured us that he was ready to go and it looks like he will need to be as he will be challenging the very man who put him on the shelf, Randy Orton, for the WWE Championship at the Royal Rumble.

As shocked as The Legend Killer was initially, he came round to the idea that now is the best time to face Cena, and agreed to give Cena the match he wanted at the Rumble in two weeks time, but shocked everyone else when he said it will be a match that Cena has been in, but one that he never has, a TLC match. What is Orton thinking?

With the hatred being so strong between these two, it certainly promises to be an interesting Raw next week before their Rumble match.

Nice way to open the show with Orton. He was his usual aroogant self here, talking about all the guys that he's put on the shelf. Man, John Cena is back! That was a big shock. I'm not a fan of John Cena at all, but he can put on good matches and is good on the stick. Cena was very aggressive here which was a bit of a suprise as he normally tries to be funny, but it was good to see that he is still angry about Orton injuring him last year. I liked how Orton stuck up for himself, he didn't seem scared of Cena really and I like that, Orton has become a very strong and credible champ in your thread. Wow, a TLC match at the Rumble? That was a suprise, I don't really know why Orton would pick that match but hey, it's a change and it's a fun match. I suppose Orton wants to be in a match where he can take advantage of the injury, but I still would've expected a Last man standing match or something. I loved the "You got a problem with that Superman?" line, that made me laugh! Nice little brawl at the end with the missed RKO and the stare down. Good promo to open the show, but please don't give the title to Cena!

Nice little seg with Burke and Kennedy. I loved how Kennedy got Burke's name wrong at first and then said that he liked Burke being snappy, I thought that was funny. They are quite alike really with their arrogance and the way they talk and you kind of showed this here. kennedy and Burke will be a good team for tonight, they'll be off to the rumble. Nice little bit at the end with Kennedy doing his catchphrase to himself Lol.

Good match to start the action. It's good to see Eduardo in action on Raw but I don't really know too much about him so I don't really know how he wrestles. I liked how you got Carlito and Venus into it, that was expected with the partners on the outside. I was expecting Eduardo to capitalize on the distraction but he didn't really, but still there was lots of cool near falls and roll throughs, that made for an exciting ending. Nice DDT from Cody to win, but I was suprised that he won though as Carlito and his brother seemed to be on a bit of a push, but at least Carlito hasn't lost and he got to attack Val after. But now that I think about it, Cody Rhodes is a better option in the Rumble than Eduardo.

Michelle is an interviewer now? Or is she doing both like Maria did? Nice interview with CM Punk and I'm loving the new heel Punk. I love the straight edge gimmick when he's a heel as he thinks that he's better than everyone else, and that makes for great promos. I loved him talking about Jeff and how he uses "damaging substances" Lol. He's taking the title at the Rumble imo.

I was wondering if that peck on the cheek last week from Kelly was going anywhere, and it looks like it is. It might be fun to see them as a couple, they are round about the same age too. Nice attack from the Colon brothers, that makes them look a bit stronger again.

Exciting tag team match here. Kendrick and London got some good ofense in which was good, I was expecting a bit of a squash. I like London and Kendrick, they are like the MCMG (But nowhere near as good Lol), but they had to lose here. Loved some of the moves in this match and it was an exciting ending with Kennedy taking control with the neckbreaker and then hitting the Kenton Bomb. Nice finish but I would've loved a Elijah Experience or a Elijah Express from Burke, but I know that the Express is a good move to be countered. Nice match, Kennedy and Burke in the Rumble is expected, hopefully they'll put on a good showing.

Pretty good interview from Jericho here but I'm not sure if it was needed, but I guess we needed his thoughts from what happened last week. He still seems pretty angry so it makes me think why didn't he just cost KK the last match? Still good interview and nice ending, but he is not winning the RR.

Great promo here from the McMahons, really well written. Every one of them was in character, Vince's little bit at the beggining was the best. It was good to hear from Shane after he shocked us all last week, his explanation was good really, simply saying that he owes his Dad everything. I'm liking the three McMahon men together, JBL was good on the stick too as usual by slagging off the fans and calling them peasents. Stephanie coming out was cool, nice little announcement from here about Linda selling her share to Steph and HHH. So they both own 50% then? That's good, I was wondering how anybody would have a chance with Shane as the GM and Vince as the Chairman. Great promo, this feud is really picking up.

Jericho vs. Richards was pretty good, it seemed exciting to read but it's a squash really for Y2J. He hit him with most of his moveset here really and avoided Stevie's two finishers. Nice Codebreaker for the win. jericho in the Rumble is expected.

Ron Killings is here! Nice little segment with orlando Jordan, not quite the debut I was expecting though but it's a nice little build for the match next week. I don't really get what Orlando Jordan's role is in all of this though really, as JBL has Vince and Shane to accompany him already really.

Good to see Victoria back, this feud should be great, they are the two best wrestlers out of the Divas in my opinion followed by Mickie and Melina. Victoria scaring Beth was cool, she's never really been scared as you said so it really made Victoria look strong.

Very good tag team match here, this could have been the main event really. I liked how you had Cena and Orton go off into the crowd, that really showed the hatred between those two guys and it allowed the Punk/hardy feud to develop in the ring. Punk hitting Jeff with the belt and the GTS was a bit statement, but he went even further and hit the Swanton Bomb which was awesome. That would really gain heat. Punk seems really dominant at the moment and with this win over Jeff he looks even stronger, I hope he wins the title at the Rumble, but usually the loser in the title match dominates the weeks leading up to the title match, so i hope that that isn't the case here. I expect Jeff to make a statement before the Rumble.

Oh, so Orlando is still going to accompany the McMahons then. I was wondering how he would fit into this but Vince seems to have accepted him. Nice little McMahon family prep talk.

Ric Flair is Triple H's partner then, good choice, I was wondering who it could be. This was a good main event here with some good action, it got exciting when Triple H made the tag and came in. When Triple H got rid of JBL and set up Shane for the pedigree I was wondering how he would escape it, but that's why orlando is at ringside! Stopping the pedigree with a chiar shot to the back was cool and very realistic, good ending. The beat down afterwards was good, they made a real statement there. The Clothesline from hell on both was cool. Yes! The Coast to Coast! I love that move and it was great to hit it here, the McMahons look really dominant here.

Overall Nige it was a great show again, there wasn't much at all wrong with the show at all. But I have noticed that a lot of your main events seem to end with a DQ, but that's no big deal really and it's needed in most cases, and I suppose it happens a lot IRL but it can be a bit frustrating sometimes. Great matches and great promos, and the Rumble is looking great already. I like how you manage to fit in all these guys too with good mid card feuds and main event feuds. Good job mate, looking forward to next week!

I've been hearing a lot of good things about this BTB and after going rougly fast through the last show you've posted, I'm quite looking forward to reading in full and reviewing your next outing which I guess will be SmackDown!.

The Cena & Orton TLC matchup is totally about shaking things up and it'll totally change the aspect of the Rumble PPV in my eyes but it could be somewhat risky to put such a huge type matchup during the same night as the Rumble match itself...

The WWE are currently on a huge recruitment drive with WrestleMania around the corner. We have just learnt that several free agents have been handed developmental contracts or will be assigned to Florida Championship Wrestling with the likelihood that there will be roster additions after the sports entertainment spectacular.

Former WWE contracted wrestlers Sonny Siaki, Teddy Hart have both signed developmental contracts and will head to Florida very soon. Ricky Banderas has also signed on after his release from TNA, where he too will head to Florida. We also have been told that several other superstars have been contacted or in talks. They are believed to include Marcus Cor Von, Billy Kidman, Raven, Eugene, Rob Van Dam, Giant Bernard, Low Ki and The Big Show.

We will keep you up to date with any further information we receive as soon as we get it.

UPDATE: Drew McIntyre has also been removed from the Smackdown roster and sent back to developmental in WWE's Florida training base.

Sorry that I haven't been on the ball with reviews (GCSE's...) but here is your RAW one, after Legend's SNME Review I will be able to settle down and finally write my show!

Orton's opening was supreme, magical and whatever word you want to glorify it with. I did like the subtle hint about John Cena as it sets the tone and you are building this up superbly and I feel Orton can't be beaten anymore (not until 'Mania anyway) oh... what's this? Without the John Cena comment I wouldn't have seen this one coming so this was a real shocker. I thought Cena was turning in to The Rock when he said shut your mouth as that was very uncharacteristic. I loved the way Cena was trying to get in to Orton's head but the superman line was borderline smarkish from Orton, not what we really need and it takes away from the content and is a non essential in this promo. I like you playing on Cena's injury as it adds a new element to proceedings and the ending put the icing on the cake, you have certainly improved on your promos and this was magnificent. Great, simply great.

You really played up Kennedy's ignorance here and a little mention of McMahon gave me an idea of how he is tonight which is a good thing. The match tonight should be good and I loved the line from Kennedy "Brook" ha ha! I see Kennedy and Burke POSSIBLY facing off at 'Mania.

In what looks like a good match, Rhodes gets the win. No qualms with that and all in all it was the right decision because Eduardo serves no purpose in the Rumble but the feud will continue further until I make another prediction which is that we will see Colon vs. Colon at 'Mania! I would have liked to have seen Carlito get involved just a little bit more but whatever. I just hopes Rhodes gets a better finisher, TKO anyone? It looks the feud is definitely not done just yet, maybe a big match at the next SNME which sees the breakup of the Colons.

Biggest main event in RAW history? Could well be Nige!

I don't really dig McCool as a backstage interviewer but if you haven't got a place for her the best place is to stick here there. I love the way Punk is constantly playing on Jeff's drug abuse, I don't see Punk losing and I see Jeff costing Punk a spot in the Rumble for the BIG match at 'Mania. (3 predictions that I honestly hope will happen, next in line Shane vs. HHH) but Punk WAS intellectual here and that is good to see as he is definitely more sophisticated and has that extra dimension rather than Punk-lite in ECW.

The Colons, great name and I would like to see The Pancreas' give them a run for their money next week on RAW. In all seriousness this was a good segment the Kelly Kelly stuff was a little needless but I hope Cody snaps because this whole situation is being built up rather well.

This was a superb match, I say this a lot but I am going to retract it because it was a PPV sized match and it was amazing. A lot of close finishes which I really liked and you really bridged the gulf between the two teams as one team are obviously bigger names and there was a lot of high flying moves. A rather generic counter for sliced bread but it was all good because the ending was simply amazing showing Kennedy's brute power and ruthlessness, I just hope there is a tag match for Londrick coming up soon.

Jericho showing this new intense character gives the rivalry an extra edge. I don't see Jericho winning the Rumble and the promo should have gone on for longer.

A very good promo next, McMahon (times 3) were very much in character and JBL was particularly awesome constantly bad mouthing the fans and being his normal cocky self. Stephanie was very feisty here. Shane and JBL in the Rumble will be awesome. 50% each= big HHH/McMahon match at 'Mania for complete control, you may find out in later months why I am pissed off that you went that route because I had a great idea about... never mind. The Game should have said a little more though.

Meh, I am not a big fan of Stevie jobbing, maybe use someone credible but not so, Jim Duggan or whatever because Richards had a good push with Dreamer (where did he go?) and Jericho basically hit move after move.

Killings gets instant exposure, beautiful with his (debut?) match and a lot of good putdowns for Jordan and this mini-feud should go somewhere to push both men because they can be built very well.

This promo was a little weird and corny, it just didn't feel right and I am not liking the fact that Victoria is now the ONLY credible contender. Where is Mickie James? I see Victoria obviously winning to open up the women's division.

I was totally enthralled by this match, a big match for Cena to return to but I just felt it was overshadowed by Jeff/Punk. No, really this is more of a compliment because you have built up the feud so well everything (bar HHH/McMahon's) pales in comparison at the moment. Cena losing was a big shock but I guess he had other things in mind but it was a cliche ending and I would have liked to have seen what happened to Cena and Orton afterwards. A very good ending with Punk showing his ruthless streak but I really don't see Punk hitting the Swanton, he could hit it but it probably wouldn't look as fluid as Jeff's variation so maybe you could have added that in. A slight error where you wrote punk instead of Punk as well.

A bit of filler next, wrong placement for the promo really.

Flair returns without a peep of a classic promo? Shocking. Still good to see him back and the match was very good, I don't see JBL being 'too strong' for the Figure Four because that makes the hold useless because he has used it on various big guys in the past but you could have said 'he hasn't weakened the legs enough' A big BOOO for the DQ ending and I hope Jordan gets his ass whooped soon. Very interesting to see the heels come out on top for once and it topped off a very solid show.

The show was very good and solid like I said but it wasn't as good as the last show I reviewed which was nearly perfect but the show was still a good offering which I enjoyed, especially the opening promo but we saw too much of the McMahon's tonight. 9/10

The opening promo from Orton was really life like I could imagine him saying it, and well he even gave an answer to why he should drop the title because he has beaten every damn face on the roster so I have a real feeling he is going to lose the next match for the WWE Title … just as it seems it coming to an end we have the big time comeback of ‘the man’ John Cena! Really good time to bring him back, with Trips now more into his Vince feud than the one with Randy to be honest. I like Cena coming back mainly because he really has to take the title from RKO. I really think John should have has the first word when he came back, maybe having Randy having a shocked look on his face and John saying “Guess whose back?!?” But I like your way too, and well it basically the same thing. Fine, yep Cena blabbering on about what happened has to be done. Okay I see what you’re trying to do with the TLC match but I really don’t like it sorry, it just doesn’t feel right. I know that these two are athletic guys and John has been in a TLC match and Orton in Ladder Matches but I really don’t know why but I never liked a TLC match for a Main Event title, I don’t like it in real life, while their entertaining they just don’t seem right. I feel it belongs as a Tag Team match, I guess that how I like it but I know you will make this one hell of an entertaining match for sure!

Nice promo to set up the match tonight, would have liked the match to been before it. It was solid funny Kennedy getting his name wrong, Ken seemed in character for most part, Burke well never talks in RL if I can remember so guess yeah he was in character? Really good solid match, enjoyable, a lot of pinfalls, a nice way to get the crowd going for an exciting evening ahead. Cody isn’t going to go far in the Rumble but he is really a good guy for the future and well it was a well executed victory for him. Huge main event as King suggested Haha. Hmmm Punk as heel, well as you know I can’t get used to it but well it was a good heel promo but I know he didn’t really say it but he depth into Jeff drug use, not sure if you should use that and don’t really know if it realistic to do so but well it makes CM Punk even more hated and well it works cause I don’t like him for saying it .

Next promo was a bit meh, thank god there was an attack in it because well it would have been horrible to watch in RL, maybe a relationship blossoming there but really I wouldn’t mind really because she would just be a target for Carlito and Eddie. Next match was very detailed and well very good, it had Burke and Kennedy dominate for a moment then Londrick dominated a really good read and very entertaining, there was only really one outcome, and well Kennedy could win the Rumble in my eyes.

Massive segment which was amazing, I love Vince character and really like Shane, always have. JBL is good man on the mic and these guys love to talk and it really griped me this promo and then Steph come out and make the huge announcement that she and HHH own 50% . WOW! These two going at it for full control is quality stuff. Vince and Trips really have gotta have a match for full control which maybe could happen at WrestleMania. Well next match was really a squash for Jericho which is cool with me, and well he is now a guy who could also contend for the RR.

Really the Killings-Jordan promo just seemed very awkward to me, I know you were trying to set up a match for them so I can forgive it really, could have been done better but not really a problem. Hopefully they don’t have a feud about race about Jordan not being … well you know what I mean I don’t really have to say it. But still a match between these two should be really good. Introducing Victoria back, nice there is a hell of a lot of promos tonight isn’t there?

Disappointed that this match is not the main event and taking a back seat to the McMahon-HHH feud. Well all hell breaks loose in this match at the end which is cool; Cena and Orton well are out of the match by the end fighting near the crowd. Really great match all the way through, only thing I didn’t like was Punk using the Swanton Bomb, maybe would have worked better if he has done the Twist of Fate instead, that seems more realistic than performing the Swanton to me.

Well the little filler promo of Vince talking to his sons was cool just for the filler. Once again hell of a lot of promos tonight man. Then the match itself, well first Ric Flair as his partner was something I didn’t see coming, a pleasant surprise you might say. Well it was never going to be the bets of match’s entertainment wise but well the feud just made the match anyway so it was always going to be good. The finish at the end was clever, Jordan is now seems to be sucking up a lot to Vince trying to become one of his sons it seems, I think that itself is a great idea that works. Aftermath was excellent, coast to coast just to finish it off, stylish.

Overall another great show with two great promos in it and some solid matches, as well as the final two being top notch. Other promos were good, but couldn’t live up to the standard of the other two it seems. And well some promos were a bit … awkward in a sense. Another amazing show Nige, the Royal Rumble looks to be shaping up into a great PPV

Opening with Orton, standard stuff. Orton creaming all over himself, I love it. Yeah baby, Cena's back! Cena owning Orton on the mic was sweet. A TLC match huh? That tells me that it won't end up being just Randy and Cena. Those guys just don't seem like a fit for TLC by themselves not to mention that a TLC match is way better with more people. Whatever it winds up being, it should be a great match. Orton vs. Cena vs. Trips vs. JBL is my prediction for the final match.

Brown sugar Kennedy doing some great mic work. Setting up another one of those tag matches as qualifiers.

Create A Wrestler vs. Eduardo - (On a side note, I'm torn between "Link from Zelda" or "Create A Wrestler' as the nickname to use for Cody... I'm going with CAW for now) Nice Cross Body, cover, reversal, cover, roll up, reversal sequence. Create A Wrestler wins with DDT3 as expected! +750 exp +1 popularity for lack of horrid promo (not my joke, I stole it )

Hooligans vs. Kennedy & Burke - It's pretty obvious who will win this match (as with most qualifiers). Woohoo, Sitout Spinebuster! Standing Moonsault! Mushroom Stomp! (I just love the name!) Kenton Bomb!!! Great back and forth match. the finish was never in doubt but you did manage to make it seem like Hooligans could win. Hmm... Should Kennedy... Kennedy & Burk get a tag title shot? They just beat the champs.

Vince trying to get a cheap pop = awesome! Damn Vinny publicly disowning Stephanie. LOL at no one suspecting Shane, yeah OK. Nice McMahons promo. Should be interesting to see the power struggle unfold.

Y2J vs. Stevie Richards - As much as I like Stevie (and I do) we all know how this will end. Y2J wins with the codebreaker after a decent match. I don't like that move as a finisher, but oh well, it could be worse.

Yes! Orlando Jordan! BTW I heard he was going to be jobbing to Warrior if it hasn't happened already. Truly a jobber legend having jobbed all over the world. I love Orlando Jordan! Yes The Truth! Jes! you can have Jordan job to Killings. Perfect!

Ooh, a smiling Beth! I love smiling Beth! I wish the E would let her smile more. She really is quite pretty when she's less heel. Yeah baby, my girl Victoria!!! Woohoo, my favorite current Diva! If there is anyone on the roster that can intimidate Beth it's Victoria though I worry about Beth looking weak again (as she did when she backed off from Trish).

Cena/Hardy vs. Punk/Orton - Yeah baby, Spinning Sitout Suplex! Woohoo! Generic Finisher (overdrive) by Orton! I love that you use it as a signature move and not a finisher. Haha! Punk beats Jeff with his own move. I have no trouble believeing Punk can do a Senton Bomb (though probably not as gracefully as Jeff). Great rub it in his face moment! Great match, though I wish you had gotten a Throwback from Cena in there, love that move.

Trips & Flair vs. McMahons - Flair was a good choice of partner. Should have seen it coming. Flair playing sacrificial lamb early on, good move. Here comes the failed Pedigree attempt. Awesome beatdown at the end with Vinny making Stephanie watch while they pick apart Trips and Flair. Quality

Great show. The usual couple predictable Rumble Qualifiers, though the tag qualifier against the Hooligans was really sweet. Great promos as usual. I don't much like Beth getting intimidated even if it is by my favorite Diva, but it works I guess. That's really my only complaint though. The Hooligans vs. Kennedy & Burk was my favorite match. The beating after the main event was really good too.